TW201626687A - Distributed power receiving elements for wireless power transfer - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for wireless charging may include a casing for housing an electronic device and a plurality of power receiving elements that can couple to an externally generated magnetic field to wirelessly power or charge a load in the electronic device. At least one of the power receiving elements may comprise an electrically conductive segment of the casing.

Description

Distributed power receiving component for wireless power transmission Cross-reference to related applications

In accordance with 35 USC § 119(e), this application has the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of The way is incorporated in this article.

The present application also claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 14/630,996, filed at

The large system of the present invention relates to a wireless power transmission system. More particularly, the present invention relates to electronic devices having configurations of distributed power receiving components for wireless power transfer.

The prior art of the scope of the patent application described herein is not admitted, unless otherwise indicated, and should not be understood as such.

Providing a suitable resonator in a power receiving unit (PRU) of a wireless charging system in an electronic device can be challenging. For example, in mobile devices, limitations on the manner in which the back cover of the mobile device can be used can create challenges for the design and placement of resonators for wireless charging. To avoid the effects of antenna systems that provide communication to mobile devices, manufacturers of mobile devices can specify a "forbidden" area on their device design. thereby, Only a small area can be used for the wireless charging resonator, so the resonator may be too small to produce sufficient power for the mobile device.

The apparent size of the electronic device itself can pose challenges in its three-dimensional structure. For example, the shape of the electronic device may not allow for the actual placement of the resonator. The electronics may be too small to support the resonator. In some cases, the electronic device can be made of a conductive medium that is difficult to wirelessly transmit.

The present invention describes a device for wireless charging that includes a housing that includes one or more electrically separated conductive segments. The apparatus can include a power receiving component configured to couple to an externally generated magnetic field to wirelessly power or charge the load. According to an aspect of the invention, at least one of the power receiving elements can be a conductive section of the housing. According to an aspect of the invention, the first power receiving element and the second power receiving element can be connected together.

According to an aspect of the invention, one of the power receiving elements may be a wire coil.

In accordance with aspects of the invention, the apparatus can include a switch that selectively connects the power receiving elements together in different combinations. In some aspects, different combinations may exhibit varying degrees of mutual coupling with externally generated magnetic fields. In some aspects, different combinations can exhibit different output voltages. In some aspects, different combinations may exhibit different electrical resistances.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the externally generated magnetic field can be generated from a source spaced perpendicularly from the device. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the externally generated magnetic field can be generated from a source that is horizontally spaced from the device.

The present invention describes a device for wirelessly receiving power that includes a housing that forms part of a housing of an electronic device. The apparatus can include a first power receiving component configured to wirelessly receive power via an externally generated alternating magnetic field. According to aspects of the invention, the first power receiving element can be a coil of electrically conductive material attached to the housing. The apparatus can include a second power receiving element configured to wirelessly receive power via an externally generated alternating magnetic field. According to an aspect of the invention, the second power receiving element can be a conductive section comprising a housing.

According to an aspect of the invention, the coil constituting the conductive material of the first power receiving element can be electrically connected to the conductive section constituting the casing of the second power receiving element.

According to an aspect of the invention, the apparatus may include a plurality of power receiving elements including a first power receiving element and a second power receiving element. The apparatus can include a plurality of switches operable to connect different combinations of power receiving components together.

The present invention describes a device for wirelessly receiving power, comprising a member for housing an electronic device, a first member for receiving power via an externally generated magnetic field, and a second member for receiving power via an externally generated magnetic field, The second member includes a portion of a member for receiving an electronic device.

A method for wirelessly receiving power includes: generating a first current via electromagnetic induction at a first location in the device, generating a second current via electromagnetic induction at a second location in the device, and combining The first current and the second current are used to generate power for the device.

In accordance with aspects of the invention, generating the first current can include coupling the first coil of the wire to an externally generated magnetic field. In accordance with aspects of the invention, generating the second current can include coupling a portion of the metal housing that houses the device to an externally generated magnetic field.

The present invention describes an apparatus for wirelessly receiving power comprising a housing for a power receiving unit (PRU) and power receiving elements distributed at different locations on the housing. The apparatus can include a combinational circuit and a switch that connects a subset of the power receiving components to the combined circuit. The combining circuit can be configured to combine a subset of the power receiving elements to form a set of connected power receiving elements. The apparatus can include a controller configured to operate a plurality of switches and combinational circuits.

In accordance with aspects of the invention, the apparatus can include a rectifier circuit coupled to the output of the combinational circuit to produce an output voltage. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the combinational circuit can be configured to selectively connect a subset of the power receiving elements together in series and/or in parallel.

In accordance with aspects of the invention, the apparatus can include a rectifier circuit coupled to the respective power receiving components to output respective DC levels. The output of the rectifier circuit can be connected to the combination circuit. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the combining circuit can be configured to selectively add and/or subtract DC levels associated with a subset of the power receiving components.

The present invention describes an apparatus for wirelessly receiving power, comprising: means for accommodating a power receiving unit (PRU), a plurality of components for receiving power via an externally generated magnetic field, and components distributed for accommodating the PRU A plurality of components for receiving power at different locations above, and means for selectively combining one or more of a plurality of components for receiving power to form a set of connected power receiving components.

A method for wirelessly receiving power includes coupling a power receiving element to an externally generated magnetic field at different locations in the device, connecting a subset of the receiving elements together, and combining in a subset of the receiving elements The induced current is generated to generate power for the device. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, coupling the power receiving element to an externally generated magnetic field includes coupling the wire coil to an externally generated magnetic field and coupling one of the metal housings of the receiving device to one or more of the externally generated magnetic fields.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the method can include rectifying the combined current after combining the currents induced in a subset of the power receiving elements. According to aspects of the invention, the method can include rectifying the current induced in a subset of the power receiving elements prior to combining.

A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description.

10‧‧‧PRU/power receiving unit

11‧‧‧PRU/power receiving unit

40‧‧‧shell

41a‧‧‧ Receiving components

41b‧‧‧ receiving components

42‧‧‧ slot

43a‧‧‧ Ferrite tape

43b‧‧‧ Ferrite tape

44a‧‧‧Area

44b‧‧‧Area

44c‧‧‧Area

45‧‧‧Wire

70‧‧‧PRU/power receiving unit

80‧‧‧PRU/power receiving unit

90‧‧‧PRU/power receiving unit

100‧‧‧Wireless Power Transmission System

102‧‧‧ Input power

104‧‧‧Transporter

105‧‧‧Wireless field

108‧‧‧ Receiver

110‧‧‧Output power

112‧‧‧distance

114‧‧‧Power transmission components

118‧‧‧Power receiving components

200‧‧‧Wireless Power Transmission System

204‧‧‧Transporter

205‧‧‧Wireless field

206‧‧‧Transmission circuit

208‧‧‧ Receiver

210‧‧‧ receiving circuit

214‧‧‧Power transmission components

218‧‧‧Power receiving components

219‧‧‧Communication channel

222‧‧‧Oscillator

223‧‧‧ frequency control signal

224‧‧‧Drive circuit

225‧‧‧Input voltage signal

226‧‧‧Filter and matching circuit

232‧‧‧matching circuit

234‧‧‧Rectifier circuit

236‧‧‧Battery

350‧‧‧Transmission or receiving circuit

352‧‧‧Power transmission or receiving components

354‧‧‧ capacitor

356‧‧‧ capacitor

358‧‧‧ signal

400‧‧‧PRU/power receiving unit

402‧‧‧ Receiving components

404‧‧‧ receiving components

404a‧‧‧Wire coil

406‧‧‧AC rectifier circuit / rectifier

408‧‧‧AC rectifier circuit / rectifier

410‧‧‧output

500‧‧‧PRU/power receiving unit

502‧‧‧ receiving components

504‧‧‧ receiving components

506‧‧‧ receiving components

508‧‧‧AC rectifier

512‧‧‧Connector

600‧‧‧shell

Section 602‧‧‧

Section 604‧‧‧

Section 606‧‧‧

608‧‧‧ Non-conductive separator

608'‧‧‧T-section

610‧‧‧ Non-conductive separator

612‧‧‧Feed in position

614‧‧‧Feed in position

616a‧‧‧Feed in position

616b‧‧‧Additional feeding position

622‧‧‧Connector

624‧‧‧Connector

632‧‧‧AC rectifier circuit

634‧‧‧AC rectifier circuit

636‧‧‧AC rectifier circuit

638‧‧‧AC rectifier circuit

700‧‧‧shell

Section 702‧‧‧

Section 704‧‧‧

704a‧‧‧ side wall

704b‧‧‧ sidewall

Section 706‧‧‧

712‧‧‧Feeding end

714‧‧‧Feeding end

716‧‧‧ position

718‧‧‧ position

720‧‧‧Connector

732‧‧‧ receiving components

734‧‧‧ receiving components

836‧‧‧ receiving components

902‧‧‧Conductive material/receiving element

904‧‧‧Conductive material/receiving element

906‧‧‧Substrate

908‧‧‧Substrate

912a‧‧‧Feeding end

912b‧‧‧Feeder

914‧‧‧Connector

916‧‧‧Connector

932‧‧‧ receiving components

934‧‧‧ receiving components

936‧‧‧ receiving components

1000‧‧‧shell

Section 1002‧‧‧

Section 1004‧‧‧

1004a‧‧‧ side wall

1004b‧‧‧ side wall

Section 1006‧‧‧

1012a‧‧‧Feeding end

1012b‧‧‧Feeding end

1014‧‧‧Connector

1016‧‧‧Connector

1032‧‧‧ Receiving components

1034‧‧‧ Receiving components

1036‧‧‧ Receiving components

1042‧‧‧ Non-conductive frame

1044‧‧‧Frame/Structure

1052‧‧‧Location

1054‧‧‧ position

1056‧‧‧Location

1058‧‧‧Location

1102‧‧‧PTU/Power Transmission Unit

1104a‧‧‧Transmission coil

1104b‧‧‧Transmission coil

1200‧‧‧ wearable device

1202‧‧‧Device body

1204‧‧‧Shell

1212‧‧‧ Left receiving component

1214‧‧‧Top side receiving components

1216‧‧‧ Right receiving component

1218‧‧‧Bottom receiving element

1302‧‧‧ Mutual inductance combination circuit

1304‧‧‧Switch

1306‧‧‧ Controller

1402‧‧‧Voltage Combination Circuit / Mutual Inductance Combination Circuit

1404‧‧‧Switch

1406‧‧‧ Controller

1502‧‧‧Resistance combined circuit / mutual inductance combination circuit

1504‧‧‧ switch

1506‧‧‧ Controller

1602‧‧‧ switch

1604‧‧‧Switch

1606‧‧‧ Controller

1702‧‧‧ Mutual inductance combination circuit

1704‧‧‧Switch

1706‧‧‧Return controller

With regard to the following discussion, and in particular with respect to the drawings, it is to be understood that the details of the present invention are presented for the purpose of illustration and description. In this regard, it is not intended to be exhaustive of the details of the details of the invention. In connection with the drawings, the following discussion will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the invention. In the accompanying drawings: 1 is a functional block diagram of a wireless power transfer system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

2 is a functional block diagram of a wireless power transfer system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

3 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the transmission circuit or receiving circuit of FIG. 2 including power transmitting or receiving elements, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

4 illustrates an embodiment of a system for distributed receiving components in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4A shows a schematic representation of a housing in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of a distributed receiving component in accordance with the present invention.

6 and 6A illustrate receiving elements using segments of a housing for a PRU.

7 and 7A-1 illustrate the configuration of a receiving component in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates the configuration of a receiving component in accordance with the present invention.

9, 9A-1, and 9A-2 illustrate the configuration of a receiving component in accordance with the present invention.

10 and 10A-1 illustrate the configuration of a receiving component in accordance with the present invention.

10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D depict a model of a housing configured with a receiving component in accordance with the present invention.

11A and 11B illustrate the vertical configuration of a PTU and a PRU in accordance with the present invention.

11C and 11D illustrate the side-by-side configuration of the PTU and PRU in accordance with the present invention.

12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate aspects of a receiving element system in a wearable device in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 13 illustrates a selectively connectable combination of mutual inductance based receiving elements in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 14 illustrates a selectively connectable combination of voltage-based receiving elements in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 15 illustrates a selectively connectable combination of resistance-based receiving elements in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 16 illustrates a selectively connectable combination of receiving elements in accordance with the present invention.

17 illustrates a selectively connectable group of receiving elements using feedback according to the present invention. Hehe.

In the following description, for the purposes of illustration However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention as expressed in the scope of the claims may include some or all of the features of the examples (individual or in combination with other features described below), and Modifications and equivalents of the features and concepts described herein may be included.

Wireless power transfer may refer to any form of energy associated with an electric field, magnetic field, electromagnetic field, or the like being transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver (eg, via free space) without the use of a physical electrical conductor. The power output to a wireless field (eg, a magnetic field or an electromagnetic field) may be received, captured, or coupled by a "power receiving component" to effect power transfer.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a wireless power transfer system 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Input power 102 may be provided from a power source (not shown in this figure) to transmitter 104 to generate a wireless (eg, magnetic or electromagnetic) field 105 for performing energy transfer. Receiver 108 may be coupled to wireless field 105 and generate output power 110 for storage or consumption by a device (not shown in this figure) coupled to output power 110. Transmitter 104 and receiver 108 can be separated by a distance 112. Transmitter 104 can include a power transfer component 114 for transmitting/coupling energy to receiver 108. Receiver 108 may include a power receiving component 118 for receiving or capturing/coupling energy transmitted from transmitter 104.

In an illustrative embodiment, transmitter 104 and receiver 108 may be configured in accordance with a mutual resonant relationship. When the resonant frequency of the receiver 108 is substantially the same or very close to the resonant frequency of the transmitter 104, the transmission loss between the transmitter 104 and the receiver 108 is reduced. Thus, wireless power transfer can be provided over a large distance. Thus, resonant inductive coupling techniques can allow for improved efficiency and power transfer over a wide range of distances and in the context of a variety of inductive power transmission and receiving component configurations.

In some embodiments, the wireless field 105 can correspond to a "near field" of the transmitter 104 as will be further described below. The near field may correspond to a region in which there is a strong reaction field generated by current and charge in the power transfer element 114 that minimizes power radiation away from the power transfer element 114. The near field may correspond to an area within about one wavelength (or a portion thereof) of the power transmission element 114.

In some embodiments, efficient energy transfer can occur by coupling a majority of the energy in the wireless field 105 to the power receiving element 118 rather than propagating most of the energy as electromagnetic waves to the far field.

In some implementations, the transmitter 104 can output a time varying magnetic field (or electromagnetic field) having a frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of the power transfer component 114. When the receiver 108 is within the wireless field 105, a time varying magnetic field (or electromagnetic field) can induce current in the power receiving element 118. As described above, if the power receiving element 118 is configured as a resonant circuit that resonates at the frequency of the power transmitting element 114, energy can be efficiently transferred. An alternating current (AC) signal induced in the power receiving element 118 can be rectified to produce a direct current (DC) signal that can be provided to charge or power the load.

2 is a functional block diagram of a wireless power transfer system 200 in accordance with another illustrative embodiment. System 200 can include a transmitter 204 and a receiver 208. Transmitter 204 (also referred to herein as a power transfer unit, PTU) may include transmission circuitry 206, which may include oscillator 222, driver circuitry 224, and filter and matching circuitry 226. Oscillator 222 can be configured to generate a signal of a desired frequency that can be adjusted in response to frequency control signal 223. Oscillator 222 can provide an oscillator signal to driver circuit 224. Driver circuit 224 can be configured to drive power transfer element 214 based on input voltage signal (VD) 225 at, for example, the resonant frequency of power transfer element 214. Driver circuit 224 can be a switching amplifier configured to receive a square wave from oscillator 222 and output a sine wave.

The filter and matching circuit 226 can filter out harmonics or other undesirable frequencies and match the impedance of the transmitter 204 to the power transfer component 214. Since the power transmission element 214 is driven, Power transmission component 214 can generate wireless field 205 to wirelessly output power at a level sufficient to charge or otherwise power battery 236.

Receiver 208 (also referred to herein as a power receiving unit, PRU) can include receiving circuitry 210, which can include matching circuitry 232 and rectifier circuitry 234. The matching circuit 232 can match the impedance of the receiving circuit 210 to the power receiving element 218. As shown in FIG. 2, rectifier circuit 234 can generate a DC power output from an AC power input to charge battery 236. Receiver 208 and transmitter 204 may additionally communicate over separate communication channels 219 (e.g., Bluetooth, Zigbee, cellular, etc.). Receiver 208 and transmitter 204 can alternatively communicate via in-band signaling using the characteristics of wireless field 205.

Receiver 208 can be configured to determine whether the amount of power transmitted by transmitter 204 and received by receiver 208 is suitable for charging battery 236. Transmitter 204 can be configured to generate a significant non-radiative field with a direct field coupling coefficient (k) for providing energy transfer. Receiver 208 can be directly coupled to wireless field 205 and can generate output power for storage or consumption by a battery (or load) 236 coupled to output or receive circuit 210.

As discussed above, transmitter 204 and receiver 208 can be separated by a distance and can be configured in accordance with mutual resonance relationships to minimize transmission loss between the transmitter and the receiver.

3 is a schematic diagram of a portion of transmission circuit 206 or receiving circuit 210 of FIG. 2, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 3, transmission or reception circuitry 350 can include a power transmission or reception component 352. Power transmission or receiving component 352 may also be referred to or configured as an antenna or "loop" antenna 352. The term "antenna" generally refers to a component that wirelessly outputs or receives energy for coupling to another "antenna." Power transmitting or receiving element 352 may also be referred to herein or as being configured as a "magnetic" antenna or as part of an inductive coil, resonator, or resonator. Power transmission or receiving component 352 may also be referred to as a coil or resonator that is configured to wirelessly output or receive power. As used herein, power transmitting or receiving element 352 is an example of a "power transmission component" that is configured to wirelessly output and/or receive power. Power transmission or receiving element 352 can include, for example, a ferrite core (here Air core or solid core not shown in the figure).

When the power transmitting or receiving element 352 is configured as a resonant circuit or resonator, the resonant frequency of the power transmitting or receiving element 352 can be based on inductance and capacitance. The inductance may be only the inductance produced by the coil or other inductor forming the power transmission or receiving element 352, however, a capacitance (eg, a capacitor) may be added to form the resonant structure at the desired resonant frequency. As a non-limiting example, capacitor 354 and capacitor 356 can be added to transmit or receive circuit 350 to form a resonant circuit.

It is also possible to use other components to form other resonant circuits. As another non-limiting example, capacitors (not shown) may be placed in parallel between the two terminals of circuit 350. For a power transmission component, signal 358 having a frequency substantially corresponding to the resonant frequency of power transmitting or receiving component 352 can be an input to power transmitting or receiving component 352. For a power receiving component, signal 358 having a frequency substantially corresponding to the resonant frequency of power transmitting or receiving component 352 can be an output from power transmitting or receiving component 352.

In general, in accordance with the present invention, a power receiving unit (PRU) of a wireless charging system can include a plurality of power receiving elements distributed at different locations in the PRU, the power receiving elements can be electromagnetically induced (eg, by externally generated The magnetic field is coupled to receive power. In some embodiments, power receiving components (referred to herein as "receiving components") may individually generate power that may be combined to produce a single power output. In other embodiments, some of the receiving elements can be connected together to generate electrical power. A system of distributed receiving elements may be suitable for such devices where the gaps within the mobile device may not allow a single receiving component of a suitable size to provide sufficient power transfer capability.

According to the invention, the receiving element may comprise a wire coil (resonator coil) and/or a section of the outer casing of the electronic device. These aspects of the invention are discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the receiving element can be coupled in a resonant circuit to form a resonant power receiving element or "resonator"; see, for example, the circuit of FIG. In other embodiments, the receiving element may not be connected in the resonant circuit. In the following figures and descriptions, it will be understood that the disclosed The receiving component may be connected in the resonant circuit in some embodiments, and may not be connected in the resonant circuit in other embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 4, a PRU 400 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention can be configured with receiving elements 402, 404. Each receiving element 402, 404 can represent an example of a means for receiving power via an externally generated magnetic field. In some embodiments, receiving elements 402, 404 can include wire coils or other suitable conductive media. For example, Figure 4 shows that receiving element 404 can include a wire coil 404a having two turns. In some embodiments, the receiving elements 402, 404 can be connected in a resonant circuit. In other embodiments, the receiving elements 402, 404 may not be connected in the resonant circuit. Each of the receiving elements 402, 404 can be coupled to a respective AC rectifying circuit 406, 408 that can convert the time varying signal (AC signal) to a DC voltage. In some embodiments, the AC rectification circuits 406, 408 can be full wave rectification circuits, or other suitable rectification circuits generally known to those skilled in the art. The outputs from the AC rectifiers 406, 408 can be connected in series to produce a single voltage at the output 410.

In some embodiments, the receiving elements 402, 404 can be attached to an inner surface of a housing that houses the PRU 400. For example, Figure 4A is a schematic representation of a housing 40 that can be configured to house a PRU (e.g., for a mobile computing device or any portable computing device) in accordance with the present invention. The figure shows the housing 40 in the PRU may incorporate a communication antenna (not shown) of the regions 44a, 44b, 44c of example; such a communication antenna, for example, cellular networks, WiFi ^TM communication, Bluetooth ^® communication, GPS, etc. . Regions 44a, 44b, 44c may be referred to as "forbidden" regions as they should be free of obstructions that may hinder proper signal transmission and/or reception via slot 42. For example, Figure 4A shows the receiving element 41a disposed above the forbidden regions 44a, 44b and the receiving element 41b disposed below the forbidden regions 44a, 44b. In some embodiments, the receiving elements 41a, 41b can be separated, for example, by a coil that is connected together by wires 45 that extend between the forbidden regions 44a and 44b. In other embodiments, all or a portion of the metal section of the housing may form a receiving element (eg, receiving element 41a) that will be described further below.

Ferrite tapes 43a, 43b (or any ferromagnetic material) may be provided between the receiving elements 41a, 41b and the metal shell containing the housing 40 to protect the metal shell from magnetic fields, which may be attributed to during wireless power transmission. The induced current in the receiving elements 41a, 41b is generated in the receiving elements 41a, 41b. In some embodiments, a ferrite tape 43b may also be provided on top of the receiving element 41b to sandwich the receiving element 41b. The upper ferrite tape 43b protects nearby electronic devices (not shown) that the receiving element 41b is accessible when assembling the PRU.

Returning to FIG. 4, in operation, when a power transfer unit (PTU, not shown) generates an external time varying magnetic field, an externally generated magnetic field can be coupled to the receiving elements 402, 404 to induce an AC current in the receiving elements 402, 404. In particular, the first current may be generated at a first location in the PRU 400 via electromagnetic induction of the receiving element 402. The second current may be generated at a second location in the PRU 400 via electromagnetic induction of the receiving element 404. The AC rectification circuits 406, 408 can rectify the AC current that causes the respective receiving elements 402, 404 to generate respective DC output voltages. The DC output voltages can then be combined to generate a voltage at the output 410 to provide power to the PRU 400.

In some embodiments, the receiving element can be on a separate circuit. For example, in Figure 4, each receiving element 402, 404 is shown coupled to its respective AC rectifying circuit 406, 408. In other embodiments, the receiving elements can be connected together in a common circuit in series. Referring to FIG. 5, for example, PRU 500 can include receiving elements 502, 504, 506. In some embodiments, each receiving element 502, 504, 506 can be a wire coil having a certain number of turns, see, for example, wire coil 404a in FIG. The individual wire coils comprising receiving elements 502, 504, 506 can be connected together in series by connector 512. Connector 512 can be a wire, a conductive trace on a printed circuit board (PCB), or the like. For example, as indicated in FIG. 5, one end of the coil including receiving element 502 can be coupled to AC rectifier 508. The other end of the receiving element 502 can be coupled to one end of a coil that includes the receiving element 504. The other end of the coil for receiving element 504 can be coupled to one of the coils comprising receiving element 506 Ends. Finally, the other end of the coil containing the receiving element 506 can be connected to the AC rectifier 508.

In accordance with the present invention, if at least some portions of the housing of the PRU itself are electrically conductive, then portions of the housing can act as receiving elements. For example, Figure 6 illustrates a housing 600 that can be configured as a component for housing a device (not shown), such as a smart phone, tablet, or the like. For example, the housing 600 can be the back cover of the device. In some embodiments, the housing 600 can include a number of electrically separate conductive segments 602, 604, 606. For example, section 602 can be the upper portion of housing 600, section 604 can be the middle portion of housing 600, and section 606 can be the bottom portion of housing 600. The non-conductive spacer 608 can provide an electrical separation between the section 602 and the section 604 to define a slot between the section 602 and the section 604. The non-conductive spacer 608 can include a T-shaped section 608' that defines a slot in the section 604. The non-conductive spacer 610 can provide an electrical separation between the section 604 and the section 606 to define a slot between the section 604 and the section 606.

In accordance with the present invention, sections 602 through 606 can constitute inductive elements that can function as receiving elements that receive power via electromagnetic induction, for example, by magnetic fields coupled to the outside and thus cause in sections 602 through 606 An eddy current that can be used to power a device (not shown). Each of sections 602 through 606 can have respective feed locations for providing an output for eddy currents. For example, feed location 612 can provide an output for eddy currents that can be induced in section 604 during wireless power transfer. Sections 602 through 606 of housing 600 represent other examples of means for receiving power via an externally generated magnetic field.

In some embodiments, some of the segments may be connected together by connectors (crossover wires). For example, connector 622 can electrically connect section 602 to section 604. Feed position 614 may provide an output for eddy currents that may be generated in sections 602 and 604 in response to a magnetic field coupled to the outside. Similarly, connector 624 can electrically connect section 604 to section 606. Feed position 616a may provide an output for eddy currents that may be generated in sections 604 and 606. In some embodiments, additional feed locations 616b may be provided Additional output of eddy currents in sections 604 and 606.

Referring to Figure 6A, feeds 612, 614, 616a, 616b can be coupled to respective AC rectification circuits 632, 634, 636, 638 to generate respective DC voltage levels. In some embodiments, AC rectification circuits 632 through 638 can be part of an electronic device. The outputs of the AC rectification circuits 632 through 638 can be connected together in series to produce a single DC output, such as illustrated by the inset depicted in Figure 6A.

In accordance with the present invention, a receiving component system in a PRU can include coils (resonator coils) of wires distributed at different locations in the PRU. For example, Figure 4 illustrates an example of a receiving element system including coils distributed at different locations on a housing of a PRU. In some embodiments, the receiving element system in the PRU can include a section of a metal housing. For example, Figure 6 illustrates a receiving component system that includes electrically separated conductive segments of a housing of a PRU.

In some embodiments, the receiving component system in the PRU can include a combination of coils and sections of the housing of the PRU. By way of example, FIG. 7 shows, in a schematic manner, an embodiment of a housing 700 that can be configured to receive a component of a PRU 70 in accordance with the present invention. The housing 700 can include electrically separate conductive segments 702, 704, 706. The receiving elements 732, 734 can be disposed on the sidewalls of the housing 700.

Referring now to Figures 7A-1, a cross-sectional view taken along line 7A-7A of Figure 7 illustrates the sidewall arrangement of receiving elements 732, 734, in accordance with some embodiments. The receiving elements 732, 734 can comprise coils wound in the same direction or in different directions. For example, in some embodiments, the coil for receiving element 732 can be wound in one direction (eg, clockwise), while the coil for receiving element 734 can be wound in the opposite direction (eg, counterclockwise) . In other embodiments, the coils for receiving elements 732, 734 can all be wound in the same direction. The number of turns (windings) in the coils for receiving elements 732, 732 can be any suitable number of turns. For illustrative purposes only, the coils for receiving elements 732, 734 may each comprise 2.5 inches. The number of turns in any given implementation may depend on considerations such as desired mutual inductance, wire resistance, coil size, and the like.

In some embodiments, a ferrite tape or other ferromagnetic material can be disposed between the receiving elements 732, 734 and an electronic device (eg, a PCB, battery, etc.) to protect the electronic device from magnetic fields that can be wireless Radiation is radiated from the receiving elements 732, 734 during power transmission. A ferrite material (not shown) may also be disposed between the receiving elements 732, 734 and the metal housing 700. Receive elements 732, 734 can be disposed on respective side walls 704a, 704b of section 704. For example, in some embodiments, the receiving elements 732, 734 can be taped, glued, or otherwise secured to the appropriate locations against the respective side walls 704a, 704b of the section 704.

Returning to Figure 7, in accordance with some embodiments, the receiving elements can be coupled together by sections of the housing. For example, in FIG. 7, receiving elements 732, 734 can be connected in series via section 704 of housing 700. One end of receiving element 732 can be electrically coupled to section 704 at 716, and likewise one end of receiving element 734 can be electrically coupled to section 704 at 718.

In some embodiments, in addition to receiving elements (such as receiving elements 732, 734), the receiving element system can include a section of the housing. For example, in addition to providing the functionality to connect the receiving elements 732, 734 together, the section 704 itself can act as a receiving element. For further illustration, FIG. 7 shows that section 706 itself can act as a receiving element in addition to receiving elements 732, 734. Connector 720 can connect section 704 and section 706 together.

Feeds can be provided at suitable locations to draw power to the electronics (not shown). For example, feed end 712 can include a terminal connected to one end of receiving element 732 and another terminal connected to section 706. Likewise, feed end 714 can include a terminal connected to one end of receiving element 734 and another terminal connected to section 706. For example, feed terminals 712, 714 can be coupled to a rectifier circuit (not shown) to provide DC power to PRU 70.

Figure 7 illustrates that in some embodiments, the receiving elements 732, 734 can be configured to couple directly to an externally generated magnetic field. In other embodiments, one or more receiving elements can be configured to be coupled to a magnetic field that can be generated by an eddy current induced on the metal back cover of the PRU by a freely externally generated magnetic field. For example, referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, PRU 80 can include a camera lens disposed in section 704 formed through housing 700. a receiving element 836 around the opening. Receive element 836 can be configured to couple to a magnetic field that can be generated from eddy currents in section 704 during wireless power transfer. The receiving elements 732, 734, 836 can be connected together in series to constructively combine the individual magnetic fields that are attributable to the induced currents in the receiving elements 732, 734, 836. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that additional receiving components are available. In some embodiments, a ferrite tape or other ferromagnetic material (not shown) may be provided between the receiving element 836 in the PRU and the electronic device to protect the electronic device from magnetic fields that may be attributed to A current induced in the receiving element 836 is generated during wireless power transfer.

In some embodiments, the receiving elements 732, 734, 835 can be coils having a suitable number of turns. For illustrative purposes only, the coils for receiving elements 732, 734 may each comprise 2.5 inches, and the coils for receiving element 836 may comprise 5 turns. The number of turns in any given implementation may depend on considerations such as desired mutual inductance, wire resistance, coil size, and the like.

In some embodiments, the receiving elements can be disposed at different locations on the inner surface of the housing of the PRU. For example, referring back to FIGS. 7 and 7A-1, the receiving elements 732, 734 can be disposed on the inner surface of the housing 700 of the PRU 70, or can be otherwise enclosed within the housing 700 when the PRU 70 is assembled. . For example, FIG. 7 shows that the receiving elements 732, 734 can be attached to the inner surface of the section 704 of the housing 700. 7A-1 further shows that the receiving elements 732, 734 can be enclosed within the housing 700 when the PRU 70 is assembled with a display module.

In other embodiments in accordance with the invention, certain receiving elements of the PRU may be mounted or otherwise externally mounted relative to portions of the housing of the PRU. By way of example, FIG. 9 shows, in a schematic manner, an example of a PRU 90 having a receiving component system that includes, for example, differently positioned independent receiving components 932 that are connected together in series by connectors 914, 916. , 934, 936. Receiving element 936 can be disposed or otherwise disposed on the inner surface of housing 700 of PRU 90. The receiving elements 932, 934 can be disposed on the outer surface of the PRU 90 and not on the inner surface of the housing 700. Feed terminals 912a, 912b can Power is drawn to the electronics of the PRU 90 (not shown). For example, feed terminals 912a, 912b can be coupled to a rectifier circuit (not shown) to provide DC power to PRU 90.

Referring now to Figures 9A-1, a cross-sectional view taken along line 9A-9A of Figure 9 illustrates the sidewall arrangement of receiving elements 932, 934, in accordance with some embodiments. 9A-1 more clearly illustrates that in some embodiments, receiving elements 932, 934 can be disposed on the outer surface of sidewalls 704a, 704b of housing 700. In some embodiments, receiving elements 932, 934 can include respective coils (rings) of conductive materials (eg, wires) 902, 904 supported on respective substrates 906, 908. For example, the substrates 906, 908 can be plastic or other non-conductive materials. In some embodiments, the coils for receiving elements 902, 904 can be molded into respective substrates 906, 908 using, for example, injection molding techniques. In other embodiments, the coils for receiving elements 902, 904 can be embedded into the respective substrates 906, 908 in other manners, for example, by scooping holes in the substrates 906, 908 and for receiving the elements 902, The coils of 904 are positioned within the pockets. In other embodiments, the coils for receiving elements 902, 904 can be formed for flexible printing that is attached (eg, glued, taped, etc.) to respective substrates 906, 908 rather than embedded in substrates 906, 908. On the circuit board (PCB).

As shown in FIG. 9A-1, in some embodiments, receiving elements 932, 934 can be attached to respective side walls 704a, 704b of housing 700. In other embodiments, the receiving element itself may form a sidewall for the housing of the PRU. For example, the cross-sectional view in FIG. 9A-2 illustrates an embodiment in which a metal sidewall portion of housing 700 (eg, metal sidewall portions 704a, 704b of FIG. 9A-1) can be replaced by receiving elements 932, 934. The substrate material of the substrates 906, 908 can be selected to provide sufficient structural support to serve as a sidewall of the housing 700.

In some embodiments, the conductive housing of the PRU itself can be machined to define one or more receiving elements to be positioned separately. Referring to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the housing 1000 for the PRU 10 can include electrically separated conductive segments 1002, 1004, 1006. In some embodiments, the sidewalls of section 1004 can include receiving elements 1032, 1034. For example, the receiving elements 1032, 1034 can comprise a crimped knot that is machined from the same material used for the housing 1000. Structure. Each of the sidewalls of section 1004 can include a non-conductive frame that supports the crimped structure and attaches the crimped structure to section 1004. These structures will be discussed below.

According to the invention, the receiving elements 1032, 1034 are not enclosed within the housing 1000 or otherwise enclosed by the housing, but external to the housing. In some embodiments, the receiving element 1036 can be disposed on an inner surface of the housing; for example, section 1004. The receiving elements 1032, 1034 can be configured to couple directly to an externally generated magnetic field during wireless power transfer, and the receiving element 1036 can be configured to couple to an eddy current induced in the segment 1004 by a magnetic field generated externally. The receiving elements 1032, 1034, 1036 can be connected together in series by connectors 1014, 1016. In some embodiments, the winding direction (eg, clockwise or counterclockwise) of the receiving elements 1032, 1034, 1036 can be selected to constructively combine the magnetic fields that can be attributed to the receiving element 1032 during wireless power transfer. Generated by the induced current in each of 1034, 1036.

Feed terminals 1012a, 1012b can be provided to draw power to an electronic device (not shown). In some embodiments, for example, feed terminals 1012a, 1012b can be coupled to a rectifier circuit (not shown) to provide DC power to PRU 70.

10A-1 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 10A-10A of FIG. This figure illustrates an embodiment of a sidewall construction of a housing 1000 in accordance with the present invention. In some embodiments, the sidewall 1004a of the segment 1004 can comprise a crimped structure that forms the receiving element 1032. In some embodiments, the crimped structure can be machined from the same metal as the housing 1000. In other embodiments, the crimped structure can be machined from a different material than the housing. The choice of materials can be determined, for example, according to aesthetics.

The sidewall 1004a can further include a non-conductive frame 1042 that provides structural support to the crimped structure of the receiving element 1032. Additionally, the frame 1042 can be configured to allow the combined structure 1032/1042 to be coupled to the housing 1000 to define the sidewall 1004a. The frame 1042 can also be used to electrically isolate the receiving element 1032 from the housing 1000.

The sidewall 1004b can be configured identically to include a crimped structure that forms the receiving element 1034 and Frame 1044. The frame 1044 can be configured to support the crimped structure that forms the receiving element 1034 and connect the combined structure 1034/1044 to the housing 1000 to define the sidewall 1004b. The frame 1044 can also be used to electrically isolate the receiving element 1034 from the housing 1000.

10A and 10B are top views of a model of the housing 1000. FIG. 10A shows a top view of the inner surface of the viewing housing 1000. FIG. 10B shows a top view of the outer surface of the viewing housing 1000. These figures show that the receiving elements 1032, 1034 can define the sidewalls of the housing 1000. A frame (not shown) can support each of the receiving elements 1032, 1034. As explained above, the frame can electrically isolate each of the receiving elements 1032, 1034, for example by providing a spacing between the receiving elements 1032, 1034 and the housing 1000. Examples are shown at 1052, 1054, 1056, 1058. See also a perspective view of the housing 1000 shown in Figure 10C.

A side view of the housing 1000 shown in FIG. 10D shows an example of a crimped structure comprising a receiving element 1032. In the example depicted in this figure, the crimped structure has 1.5 turns, but in other embodiments, the crimped structures can have different numbers of turns. Feed end 1012a can be at one end of the crimped structure. Connector 1014 can be coupled to the other end of the crimped structure.

In some embodiments, a PRU in accordance with the present invention may be arranged in a vertical relationship with respect to a power transfer unit (PTU). In other words, in some embodiments, the PRUs and PTUs can be vertically spaced apart. Referring to Figure 11A, for example, a top view of the PTU charging surface is shown to show the two PRUs placed on the charging surface. Figure 11B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 1B-11B, showing the PRUs being vertically spaced from the PTU, showing the magnetic field produced by the PTU.

In some embodiments, PRUs in accordance with the present invention may be arranged in a side-by-side configuration with respect to a power transfer unit (PTU). In other words, in some embodiments, the PRUs and PTUs can be horizontally spaced apart. Referring to FIG. 11C, for example, the PTU 1102 can be an electronic device such as a laptop, or other such device that can be configured to act as a PTU that provides wireless power to the PRU 11. The PTU 1102 can include a transmit coil 1104a. In some embodiments, the transmit coil 1104a can be disposed on a sidewall of the housing of the PTU 1102. In particular, the transmission coil 1104a can be wound in a plane parallel to the windings of the coils comprising the receiving elements of the PRU 11. Figure 11C The orientation of the magnetic field lines that can be generated during wireless power transfer operations is shown.

11D illustrates that in some embodiments, the PTU 1102 can have a transmission coil 1104b that is wound in a plane that is not parallel to the windings of the coil that includes the receiving elements of the PRU 11. For example, the transmit coil 1104b can be disposed on the bottom of the housing of the PTU 1102. 11D illustrates an example of the orientation of magnetic field lines that may be generated in this configuration during a wireless power transfer operation.

According to the invention, the distributed receiving element according to the invention is not limited to the back cover of the electronic device. Referring to Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C, in some embodiments, the receiving elements can be distributed among various components of a wearable electronic device (e.g., a smart watch) for wireless power transfer; for example, in a wearable Inside the body of the device, inside the wristband, etc. In some embodiments, the distributed receiving elements may not be coplanar with respect to each other. The plane in which the receiving elements are located may be at different angles relative to each other. To make it more concrete, consider the X, Y, and Z axes of the coordinate system. In accordance with the present invention, some of the receiving elements can be placed along a plane parallel to one of the equiaxions, and some of the receiving elements can be placed along a plane that intersects two or more of the equiaxed axes.

Further in accordance with the present invention, the receiving element can be disposed on a flexible substrate. For example, the receiving element can be bent to be mounted on a curved portion of a wristband of a smart watch. More generally, the receiving element can be folded or bent in two or three dimensions. Therefore, the receiving element does not have to be placed flat on the plane.

Figure 12A shows an illustrative embodiment of a wearable device 1200 that can incorporate a PRU in accordance with the present invention. The wearable device 1200 can be a digital watch, an electronic fitness monitoring device that can be worn like a watch, an electronic wristband, an electronic badge, and the like. The wearable device 1200 can include a device body 1202 that includes components of the wearable device, including, for example, electronic devices (eg, processors, controllers, communication devices, etc.), displays, power electronics (eg, , battery charger, power management unit, etc.). Fasteners can be provided to allow a user to secure the wearable device to itself. For example, a watch may include allowing a user to The strap is fastened to the wrist of the wrist. The badge may include pins that allow the user to secure the badge to other suitable mechanisms of their garment.

Figure 12A establishes some of the reference points used in the present invention. Facing the device body 1202, it is the right side of the wearable device 1200 and the left side of the wearable device 1200. The top side of the wearable device 1200 refers to a portion of a top fastener (eg, a strap) that is attached to the top of the device body 1202. The bottom side of the wearable device 1200 refers to a portion of the bottom fastener attached to the bottom of the device body 1202. The straps can be of any suitable construction; for example, linked sections (as shown in the figures), flexible straps, and the like.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a PRU in wearable device 1200 can include a number of receiving elements 1212, 1214, 1216, 1218 attached to a wearable device. In some embodiments, receiving elements 1212, 1214, 1216, 1218 can be incorporated within components of wearable device 1200. For example, Figure 12A shows that the topside receiving element 1214 can be incorporated into one of the top fasteners. The top side receiving element 1214 is indicated by a dashed line to indicate that it can be embedded within the material of the top strap. The right side view of Figure 12B indicates this more clearly. Similarly, the bottom side receiving element 1218 can be incorporated into one of the bottom fasteners. In other embodiments, the top side receiving element 1214 and the bottom side receiving element 1218 can be attached to the surface using an adhesive. Receiving elements 1212, 1214, 1216, 1218 can be formed from any suitable electrically conductive material such as, but not limited to, copper wire, traces patterned on a flexible substrate, combinations thereof, and the like.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, one or more receiving elements may be attached to the device body 1202 of the wearable device 1200. For example, device body 1202 can include right side receiving element 1216 and left side receiving element 1212. In some embodiments, the right receiving element 1216 and the left receiving element 1212 can be attached to respective inner surfaces of the outer casing 1204 of the device body 1202. Figure 12B more clearly illustrates the right receiving element 1216 disposed within the device body 1202. Similarly, the left side view of FIG. 12C depicts the left receiving element 1212 disposed within the device body 1202.

In some embodiments, the receiving elements 1212, 1214, 1216, 1218 can be connected together in series. For example, referring to Figures 12A and 12C, one end of the winding including the top side receiving element 1214 can be coupled to one end of the winding including the left receiving element 1212. The other end of the left receiving element 1212 can be coupled to the bottom side receiving element 1218 as seen in Figures 12C and 12A. The series connection can continue: as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the bottom side receiving element 1218 is coupled to the right side receiving element 1216, and as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the right side receiving element 1216 can be coupled to the top side receiving element 1214 The other end.

In accordance with the present invention, the switching network can selectively switch different combinations of receiving elements together. In some embodiments, the switching network can include a plurality of switches connected to the combining circuit. The switch can be selectively opened and closed to connect/disconnect the receiving component and the combination circuit. The selected receiving elements can be combined by a combinational circuit.

For example, Figure 13 shows several receiving elements connected to respective switches 1304. For example, the receiving elements can be coils at different locations on the device (not shown) (eg, coils 502-506 in FIG. 5), conductive segments (eg, conductive segments 602-606 in FIG. 6). And combinations thereof, etc. Controller 1306 can operate individual switches 1304 to connect a subset comprising one or more respective receiving elements to mutual inductance combining circuit 1302. Switch 1304 and mutual inductance combining circuit 1302 can be configured as components for combination. In some embodiments, the mutual inductance combining circuit 1302 can combine the receiving elements coupled thereto to combine the mutual inductances in an additive (series mode) and/or subtractively (parallel/split mode) to cause a set of connected receiving elements. Have a given total mutual inductance. In some embodiments, the mutual inductance combining circuit 1302 can include a switch matrix. The mutual inductance combining circuit 1302 can be coupled to the rectifier to output the output of the AC rectifying combining circuit 1302 to provide a suitable DC level to the load.

In operation, the receiving element can be coupled to an externally generated magnetic field. Switch 1304 can select a subset of the receiving elements that can be coupled to combiner 1302 to combine the current induced in a subset of the receiving elements to generate power for the device. In some embodiments, the combined current can be rectified.

Referring to Figure 14, in some embodiments, the receiving elements can be connected to respective rectifiers. A subset comprising one or more of the outputs of the rectifiers can be selectively coupled to voltage combining circuit 1402 by means of switch 1404. Controller 1406 can control switch 1404 to connect different combinations of rectifiers and voltage combining circuit 1402. Switch 1404 and mutual inductance combination circuit 1402 can be configured as components for combination. Controller 1406 can control voltage combining circuit 1402 to add and/or subtract various voltages connected thereto such that a set of connected receiving elements can provide a given total voltage at the output of voltage combining circuit 1402. In some embodiments, voltage combining circuit 1402 can include a switch matrix.

Referring to Figure 15, in some embodiments, the receiving element can be coupled to the resistor combining circuit 1502 by means of a switch 1504. Controller 1506 can operate switch 1504 to connect a subset comprising one or more respective receiving elements to resistor combining circuit 1502. Switch 1504 and mutual inductance combination circuit 1502 can be configured as components for assembly. In some embodiments, the resistor combination circuit 1502 can combine the resistances of the receiving elements connected thereto to add power (eg, in series) and/or subtractively (in parallel) to increase the power efficiency of the receiving elements. . In some embodiments, the resistor combination circuit 1502 can include a switch matrix.

In some embodiments, the receiving elements can switch configurations in series to connect. For example, Figure 16 shows a series connection configuration including switches 1602, 1604 connected between pairs of receiving elements, which can be configured as components for assembly. Controller 1606 can operate switches 1602, 1604 to achieve the desired mutual inductance.

In some embodiments, the feedback path can be used to control selective switching. For example, Figure 17 shows a receiving element connected to switch 1704. The feedback controller 1706 can selectively control the switch 1704 to connect a subset comprising one or more receiving elements to the mutual inductance combining circuit 1702. Switch 1704 and mutual inductance combination circuit 1702 can be configured as components for combination. The controller 1706 can use the voltage level generated by the rectifier as a feedback signal to control the connection and disconnection of the receiving element to the mutual inductance combining circuit 1702. The controller 1706 can further use a voltage level control combination to connect to the receiving elements of the mutual inductance combining circuit 1702, that is, add Ground, subtraction, and a combination of the two. For example, controller 1706 can use feedback control to maintain a desired voltage level by connecting various receiving components to mutual inductance combining circuit 1702 and controlling the combination of their receiving components.

In accordance with the above, in an embodiment, a method for wirelessly receiving power is provided. The method includes generating a first current via electromagnetic induction at a first location in the device. The method further includes generating a second current via electromagnetic induction at a second location in the device. The method further includes combining the first current and the second current to generate power for the device. In some embodiments, generating the first current can include coupling the first power receiving element to an externally generated magnetic field, and generating the second current includes coupling the second power receiving element to an externally generated magnetic field. In some embodiments, generating the first current includes coupling the first wire coil to an externally generated magnetic field, and generating the second current includes coupling a portion of the metal housing of the receiving device to an externally generated magnetic field.

In another embodiment, another method for wirelessly receiving power is provided. The method includes coupling a power receiving element to an externally generated magnetic field at different locations in the device. The method further includes connecting a subset of the receiving elements together. The method further includes combining currents induced in a subset of the receiving elements to generate power for the device. In some embodiments, coupling the power receiving element to the externally generated magnetic field includes coupling the wire coil to an externally generated magnetic field and coupling one or more of a portion of the metal housing of the receiving device to an externally generated magnetic field. In some embodiments, the method further includes rectifying the combined current after combining the currents sensed in a subset of the power receiving elements. In some other embodiments, the method further includes rectifying the current induced in a subset of the power receiving elements prior to combining.

The above description illustrates various embodiments of the invention, and examples of how the particular embodiments may be practiced. The above examples are not to be considered as the only examples, and the above examples are presented to illustrate the advantages and advantages of the specific embodiments defined in the appended claims. Based on the above disclosure and the scope of the attached patent application, without departing from the scope of the patent application Other arrangements, embodiments, implementations, and equivalents may be used in the context of the invention.

In accordance with the present invention, a distributed receiving component system can exhibit lower resistance than a single wire scheme. The distribution of the receiving elements in the housing of the PRU avoids affecting the operation of communication antennas such as antennas for LTE, WCDMA, GSM, GPS, WiFi, and the like. The configurability of distributed receiving components avoids design changes in antenna placement.

400‧‧‧PRU/power receiving unit

402‧‧‧ Receiving components

404‧‧‧ receiving components

404a‧‧‧Wire coil

406‧‧‧AC rectifier circuit / rectifier

408‧‧‧AC rectifier circuit/rectifier

410‧‧‧output

Claims (44)

A device for wireless charging, comprising: a housing including one or more electrically separated conductive segments; and a plurality of power receiving components configured to couple to an externally generated magnetic field to wirelessly At least one of the plurality of power receiving components includes one of the electrically conductive segments of the housing, at least one of the first power receiving component and the second power receiving component being coupled together It is operative to produce a single power output when coupled to the externally generated magnetic field. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of power receiving elements are connected in a resonant circuit. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of power receiving elements comprises a wire coil. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a top section, wherein the first power receiving component comprises a first portion having at least one turn wound in a first plane parallel to the top section of the housing a conductor, and the second power receiving element includes a second conductor having at least one turn that is parallel to a second plane of one of the sides of the housing and that is not parallel to the first plane. The device of claim 4, wherein the first conductor is attached to an inner surface of the top section of the housing, and the second conductor is attached to an inner surface of the side of the housing. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of switches selectively operable to connect at least some of the plurality of power receiving elements together in different combinations of connected power receiving elements. The device of claim 6, wherein the different combinations of connected power receiving elements are There are varying degrees of mutual coupling with the externally generated magnetic field. The device of claim 6, wherein the different combinations of connected power receiving elements provide different output voltages. The device of claim 6, wherein the different combinations of connected power receiving elements have different electrical resistances. The device of claim 6, further comprising a controller for controlling the plurality of switches. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of rectifiers, each power receiving component being coupled to a corresponding rectifier, wherein the plurality of rectifiers are connected in series. The device of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of power receiving elements are connected in series. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least some of the plurality of power receiving elements are coupled together such that magnetic fields generated in the at least some of the plurality of power receiving elements are constructively combined. The device of claim 1, wherein the externally generated magnetic field is generated from a source that is vertically spaced from the device. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the externally generated magnetic field is generated from a source spaced horizontally from the device. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to receive a component of a mobile device, wherein the load comprises an electrical component of the mobile device. The device of claim 16, wherein the mobile device is a wearable device. A device for wirelessly receiving power, the device comprising: a housing forming part of an outer casing of an electronic device, the housing having at least one electrically conductive section; a first power receiving component configured Interchangeable magnetic field generated through an external The field wirelessly receives power, the first power receiving component including a coil of electrically conductive material attached to the housing; and at least one second power receiving component configured to wirelessly receive via the externally generated alternating magnetic field Power, the second power receiving element comprising the at least one electrically conductive section of the housing. The device of claim 18, wherein the first power receiving component is coupled in a resonant circuit. The device of claim 19, wherein the at least second power receiving component is coupled in a resonant circuit. The device of claim 18, further comprising an electrical connection between the coil of electrically conductive material comprising the first power receiving element and the at least one electrically conductive segment of the housing comprising the second power receiving element. The device of claim 18, wherein the first power receiving component is in a first plane and the second power receiving component is in a second plane that is non-parallel to the first plane. The device of claim 18, wherein the first power receiving element is attached to a side of the housing. The device of claim 18, further comprising: a plurality of power receiving components including the first power receiving component and the second power receiving component; and a plurality of switches selectively operable to different power receiving components The combinations are connected together. The device of claim 24, wherein the different combinations of power receiving elements provide different degrees of mutual coupling with the externally generated magnetic field. The device of claim 24, wherein the different combinations of power receiving elements have different mutual inductances. The device of claim 24, wherein the different combinations of power receiving components provide different output voltages. The device of claim 24, wherein the different combinations of power receiving elements have different electrical resistances. A device for wirelessly receiving power, the device comprising: means for accommodating an electronic device; a first member for receiving power via an externally generated magnetic field; and for receiving power via the externally generated magnetic field A second member that includes a portion of the member for receiving the electronic device. As with the device of claim 29, either or both of the first member and the second member are coupled in a resonant circuit. The device of claim 29, further comprising means for joining the first member and the second member together. A method for wirelessly receiving power, comprising: generating a first current via electromagnetic induction at a first location in a device; generating a second current via electromagnetic induction at a second location in the device And combining the first current and the second current to generate power for the device. The method of claim 32, wherein generating a first current comprises coupling a first power receiving component to an externally generated magnetic field, and generating a second current comprises coupling a second power receiving component to the externally generated magnetic field . The method of claim 32, wherein generating a first current comprises coupling a first wire coil to an externally generated magnetic field, and generating a second current comprises coupling a portion of a metal housing containing the device to the exterior The magnetic field produced. A device for wirelessly receiving power, the device comprising: a housing for a portable electronic device; a plurality of power receiving components distributed at different locations on the housing; a combination circuit; a plurality of switches configured to connect the subset of the plurality of power receiving components to the combination circuit, the combination A circuit is configured to combine the subset of the plurality of power receiving components to form a set of connected power receiving components; and a controller configured to operate the plurality of switches and the combining circuit. The device of claim 35, wherein one or more of the plurality of power receiving elements are coupled in a resonant circuit. The device of claim 35, further comprising a rectifying circuit coupled to one of the output of the combined circuit to generate an output voltage. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the combining circuit is configured to selectively connect the subset of the plurality of power receiving elements together in series and/or in parallel. The device of claim 35, further comprising a plurality of rectifier circuits connected to respective ones of the plurality of power receiving components to output respective DC levels, the output terminals of the rectifier circuits being coupled to the combination circuit . The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the combining circuit is configured to selectively add and/or subtract a DC level associated with the subset of power receiving components. A method for wirelessly receiving power, comprising: coupling a power receiving component to an externally generated magnetic field at different locations in a device; connecting a subset of the receiving components together; and combining The current sensed in the subset of the receiving elements to generate power for the device. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the power receiving component to the externally generated magnetic field comprises coupling a wire coil to the externally generated magnetic field and accommodating the device A portion of the metal housing is coupled to one or more of the externally generated magnetic fields. The method of claim 41, further comprising rectifying a combined current after combining the current induced in the subset of the power receiving elements. The method of claim 41, further comprising rectifying current induced in the subset of the power receiving elements prior to the combining.